La Rioja
Main grapes: Torrontés, Bonarda, Malbec, Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon
Sub-regions: Nonogasta, Chilecito, Famatina and Antinaco
Climate: Stuck with a semi-arid climate, La Rioja’s mountainous landscape receives just 5 inches of rain a year – to put that in perspective, London might as well be drowning with 25 inches pa. However, despite high average temperatures in the summer (around 35C), in the winter it drops as low as -7C – primarily a consequence of the altitude.
You should know... Typically when you hear ‘Rioja’, you just automatically think 'Spain', but with about 20,000 acres of vineyards, Argentina’s ‘La Rioja’ deserves more than just a look in. There is a huge amount going on in the wine department here, but it is divided into 2 different styles of wine making. Due to the bone-dry conditions, most vines wouldn’t be able to grow here relying solely on Mother Nature, so all vineyards are irrigated.
Sub-regions: Nonogasta, Chilecito, Famatina and Antinaco
Climate: Stuck with a semi-arid climate, La Rioja’s mountainous landscape receives just 5 inches of rain a year – to put that in perspective, London might as well be drowning with 25 inches pa. However, despite high average temperatures in the summer (around 35C), in the winter it drops as low as -7C – primarily a consequence of the altitude.
You should know... Typically when you hear ‘Rioja’, you just automatically think 'Spain', but with about 20,000 acres of vineyards, Argentina’s ‘La Rioja’ deserves more than just a look in. There is a huge amount going on in the wine department here, but it is divided into 2 different styles of wine making. Due to the bone-dry conditions, most vines wouldn’t be able to grow here relying solely on Mother Nature, so all vineyards are irrigated.